Pune: Large sections of Pune are grappling with extended power outages in the aftermath of heavy rains, with many residents facing blackouts lasting over 15 to 20 hours. The recurring problem has once again underscored critical shortcomings in the city’s ability to withstand erratic monsoon conditions.
Despite numerous complaints to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), residents report a lack of clarity on restoration timelines and poor communication from officials.
“The helpline number given in the automated message doesn’t even connect. We’ve tried reaching out on social media but haven’t received any real answers,” shared a resident from Undri, who has been without power for more than 15 hours. Similar grievances have poured in from other neighbourhoods, with citizens saying their concerns are being ignored.
An MSEDCL official cited damage to exposed cables from roadwork, moisture-induced short circuits, and tree falls as the primary causes of the widespread faults. “During road digging, several cables were left exposed. With rainwater seeping in, it triggered multiple short circuits. Some transformers were also damaged due to falling trees,” the official explained.
Repair work has been hampered further by waterlogged streets, making it difficult for technicians to access affected areas. Submerged transformer zones have added to the delays, compounding residents’ woes.
Residents claim that power disruptions during the rainy season have become a routine ordeal, with no lasting solutions in sight. The same problems — damaged cables, fallen trees, inadequate drainage, and overloaded infrastructure — resurface year after year.
“Every time there’s a downpour, we expect the power to go out. Officials make temporary repairs, but the issue keeps repeating,” said a resident from Wadachiwadi.
This year’s situation is particularly severe, with only partial restoration achieved in many areas and limited single-phase supply, which is insufficient to run basic home appliances. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and individuals relying on medical devices have been especially impacted.
Increasingly exasperated by the repeated failures, residents are calling for immediate action, including:
A thorough pre-monsoon inspection and maintenance drive
Better coordination between civic agencies and power utilities to avoid cable damage
Reliable emergency contact numbers and timely status updates during outages
Strengthening of power infrastructure in rapidly developing localities like Undri, Pisoli, and Wadachiwadi
Without prompt and sustained improvements, residents fear Pune’s urban development will continue to outstrip its ability to deliver essential services — a troubling sign for a city aspiring to smart-city status.
